Stephen Arthur Ross

On October 26, 2021, at 7:30 P.M, 16 days before his 59th birthday Stephen Arthur Ross passed away peacefully at the Princess Margaret Cancer Center in Toronto beside his spouse Antonia (Toni) and his daughter Abigail.  During his brief but valiant struggle Stephen remained hopeful and trusting while enduring the difficult experience of his cancer.

Stephen will be dearly missed by his family, friends and colleagues alike. His personality, creativity and sense of humour often made him the liveliest man in the room.

He leaves behind his daughter Abigail and his spouse Toni, his mother Reta (Melvin), his sister Lisa (Brian), her daughters Kailee and Deana.

Stephen was predeceased by his brother, Dwayne Ross, his father Gary Ross, his maternal grandparents Ed and Mary Johnston, his paternal grandfather, Ebb Ross. Ebb and his twin brother Bill Ross were somewhat of an iconic presence in Stephen’s life and in the town of Goderich, Ontario where he grew up.

Stephen embraced his passion for art in studies at Fanshaw College, earned his Bachelors’ degree in fine art at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. He then obtained his master’s degree in Fine Art at The Art Institute of Chicago, and rounded out his education at the University of Toronto.

These achievements found expression in many mediums, sculpture, oil paintings and acrylics.

His love and talent for art will be very much missed by the art students he taught, encouraged and inspired during his teaching career at Toronto’s Harbord Collegiate.

Family members are gratified that his final years of life were blessed with the devotion and unswerving love of his daughter Abigail and his soul mate Toni, who was honoured to nurture and care for him till the last moment.

Steve’s enthusiasm embraced cycling, coaching both wrestling, and soccer. Earning his black belt in Karate he then shared these skills by instructing many young martial arts enthusiasts.

Avid travellers, Stephen and Toni looked forward to revisiting Italy where Stephen had loved the culture and language. He had also been practicing Italian earnestly through Toni so they could spend extended time there.

Stephen’s dedication to his art continued even in the last weeks after he was unable to continue painting and began working on an Ipad creating illustrations digitally. Images of his childhood home on the Mill Road in Goderich, their Volkswagen Beatle and Baby Steve’s self-portrait sitting on the back steps appeared on the screen of his lpad. During this time he kept his mind active and adjusted to the new limitations of his lifestyle.

Though his loss comes far too early his profound impact will continue to carry us forward. Steve will live on in the legacy of his art and the love that his family, friends and colleagues hold for him.

Donations in Stephen's honour can be made to the The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation .

Family and friends are invited to the Celebration of Life - click here to RSVP
Those who wish to send flowers may do so through 416-flowers.com